Pennsylvania prepares to join scrum for Boeing work

Could Pennsylvania top the $1.7 billion in reported incentives Missouri has floated in an attempt to lure Boeing to its state?

Maybe. Maybe not. But it looks like officials from the Keystone State at least will enter the derby to entice the massive aircraft manufacturer to build its new jetliner in Pennsylvania.

Steven Kratz, a spokesman for Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development, said Monday that the state is working to respond to a request for proposals that Boeing sent out last week. They’ve been working quickly, too — the deadline is Tuesday.

“Obviously, it’s a tough turnaround with the limited time, especially with something as comprehensive as this, but we are going to do our best to put together a responsible proposal,” Kratz said, noting that Boeing already has sizeable presence in Pennsylvania.

CLEAR FOR TAX BREAKS: Boeing wants states to fork over plenty of incentives to land its next big project.

Boeing officials didn’t return messages seeking comment about the company’s quest to find a place to produce its 777X. It’s unclear when Pennsylvania might offer — mainly because Kratz said the state has a non-disclosure agreement with Boeing.